Religion briefs

Back by popular demand, Catholic Vacation Bible School at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church at Montezuma and Elm in Cortez will run from Thursday, Aug. 16 through the Saturday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Children from Kindergarten through 5th grades are welcome and it’s free. Come spend three fun filled days of water fights and fellowship! Parents are welcome and encouraged to hang out. For more information, call Lynda Brenner at 799-4003.

Celebration features Catholic inspirational comedian

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church will host nationally-known Catholic inspirational comedic character-actor, Doug Brummel, in his one-man character-changing show “Lighten Up” with a highly unique start time of 6:47 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 20 and 21, at the church at Montezuma Ave. and Market St. in Cortez. This one-man show features Brummel and his cast of characters. Reminiscent of classic comedians such as Red Skelton and Carol Burnett, Doug transforms himself into a variety of characters that aim to help all generations connect their faith into everyday life! Admission is free and all are welcome. A free-will offering will be available. For more information call 565-7308 and check out www.dougbrummel.com.

‘Food and Feasts of Jesus’ lecture, food tasting fundraiser

The recently released book, “The Food and Feasts of Jesus” will be the topic of a lecture, food tasting, and book signing at St. Barnabas Church on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m. This is an event for persons who are interested in food, history, or the Bible. All proceeds will go to Grace’s Kitchen. The Rev. Doug Neel, an avowed foodie, a former caterer, the Episcopal priest in Pagosa Springs, and one of the book’s authors, will be the presenter. A $15 ticket will buy the holder, in addition to the lecture, a sampling of 12 different recipes from the book. For an additional $5, wine will be available. Tickets may be purchased at 110 W. North St. or from members of St. Barnabas. The Food and Feasts of Jesus uses meals as a lens into first century Palestine, and offers accessible recipes for readers to make their own tastes of the first century. Come meet the author and enjoy a Middle Eastern smorgasbord as you help feed the hungry at Grace’s Kitchen. Call 565-7865 for information.

Award-winning documentary ‘For the Bible Tells Me So’

The documentary “For The Bible Tells Me So” will be shown at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 110 W. North St., on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. This award-winning film addresses questions such as: Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity real? As it reconciles homosexuality with Biblical scripture, the film reveals that religious anti-gay bias is based almost solely on a misinterpretation of the Bible.

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families — including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson — we discover how people of faith handle, or sometimes tragically fail to handle, having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard’s Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, this film offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity and to those who support them. For more information, call 565-7865.

Harvest Crusade at Montelores Baptist Church

On August 26, Montelores Baptist Church will join more than 550 churches and public venues across the U.S. at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 to host Harvest America. For 22 years, southern California pastor Greg Laurie has held annual stadium outreach events designed to share Christ’s message of hope through an evening of live music and a message. This year, host sites across the U.S., including Montelores Baptist Church, will participate by broadcasting the annual Anaheim stadium event live at the church, 18735 Rd. 23.5, off Hwy. 184 (across from Narraguinnep Reservoir) in Lewis. Everyone is invited to join us for this unique event. The Crusade will begin with music by Mercy Me followed by a message of hope from Greg Laurie. Contact Pastor Paul Gleason at 882-2418 for more information, or if your church is interested in participating with us.